Syracuse guard Tyler Ennis declares for 2014 NBA Draft

Ennis played and started in all 34 games for Syracuse this season, and averaged 12.9 points and 5.5 assists per game. He was an integral part of SU’s 25-0 start, the best start in program history. However, Syracuse lost six of its final nine games and was eliminated in the third round of the NCAA Tournament by Dayton.

Ennis leaves SU after one season

“I’d like to thank Coach [Jim] Boeheim, the coaching staff, my teammates and the amazing fans of Syracuse for the opportunity to play at a great university like Syracuse,” Ennis said in a release. “I feel this experience has helped prepare me to fulfill my lifelong dream – to play in the NBA.”

Ennis will perhaps be best known for his 35-foot buzzer-beating heave against Pittsburgh on Feb. 12 that allowed the Orange to win, 58-56. That game one was one several games that cause a spike in Ennis’ draft stock.

NBADraft.net currently has Ennis going to the Atlanta Hawks with the 18th pick in the upcoming draft. He was not projected as a 2014 entry at the beginning of the season.

Ennis’ departure leaves the door open for rising freshman Kaleb Joseph to play major minutes next year.

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Wes has worked for Rivals.com covering the New York Knicks, as well as for Scout.com covering Syracuse athletics. Wes has also worked for the South China Morning Post (Hong Kong) and reported on the NBA and MLB for the New York Sportscene. A native of Long Island, New York, Wes graduated from Syracuse University in 2005. Follow him on Twitter @ChengWes.